Cisse in Al Gharafa loan

QPR striker Djibril Cisse has joined Al Gharafa on loan until the end of the season.

The Frenchman had scored four goals in 21 appearances for Rangers in 2012/13 but is surplus to new manager Harry Redknapp's requirements following the signing of Loic Remy from Marseille.

Remy scored his first goal for his new club in Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Ham, with Jay Bothroyd and Junior Hoilett edging Cisse out for a place on the bench.

The 31-year-old links up with former Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin, who is in charge of the Qatari side.

Cisse has been a QPR player for less than a year, joining on January 31, 2012, and scored six goals for the Londoners in the second half of last season, including one in the dramatic Premier League finale against Manchester City.

The France international took to Twitter to thank Rangers fans for their support during his time at the club.

"Thanks to all the QPR fans and sorry I didnt do as good as last season. Thanks for all the support and no doubt we are staying up," Cisse wrote.